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How to get relief from abdominal pain due to duodenal ulcer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Based on the UGI test, I am suspected of duodenitis with ulceration. I have had abdominal pain for the last six months. No other symptoms. No H.pylori infection per stool test. I have been taking PPI for the last four months.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Well, it is rarely possible that you have pain secondary to duodenitis and ulcers after taking PPI for so long. Nor did you have H.pylori infection to claim that there is ongoing infection with H.pylori and cause of persistent ulcers.

It is highly likely that you may have excessive functional secretion of the acid (functional dyspepsia), and causing this much pain.

I want to know did you had an endoscopy for this? And if yes, when did you have?

Kindly share the reports if available.

If you are supposed to have functional dyspepsia, then the management is a little bit different. This includes some low-dose antidepressant medication for a long period of time. These medications are frequently associated with side effects, which is why we want to know whether you have tried them before and did you developed any side effects from that.

  • Do you have normal bowel movements or diarrhea, or constipation?
  • Besides stomach pain, do you have abdominal pain around the navel?
  • Any weight loss in the last six months?
  • Do you smoke or drink alcohol?

Let me know about all your endoscopy reports (upload them if present), plus answer the above questions. I may consider giving you some low-dose antidepressant medication.

Please be guided that antidepressants are not for depression in your case, as I know you do not have it. This is just for controlling excessive chemicals that are secreted in the gut, causing hypersensitivity of the nerves and pain.

Thank you.

Regarding follow up

follow up to provide more information as asked. I may consider giving you treatment for your problem

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your answer.

I have attached the files. I have lost about 4.4 - 6.6 lbs in the last six months, but I believe that is mostly due to my eating very lightly. I was only eating rice for many weeks in between, as I was a bit scared to eat roti, sabji with oil and spices. Also, I have been drinking lactose-free low-fat milk instead of regular one. Plus, my wife is back home, so I am having issues with cooking as I do not get enough time due to studies and my job. So I ate food from outside a lot. This pain started last year.

I am a non-smoker. I have pain only in the upper left abdominal pain, no other symptoms, no vomit, or indigestion or bowel movement issues. Had bright red blood once about three months ago in stool, but I believe that was due to constipation (assumed by my doctor), I have been taking fiber since then, and no issues after that.

If I remember correctly, I did not take antidepressants 10 years ago even though I was prescribed them. I got better after a couple of months. But I have to admit I have been having low self-esteem issues for the last few months. I have taken Quetiapine way back 12 years ago for about a week to 10 days. It made me sleepy during the day, so I discontinued it after that and never had any other medications for depression since then. I was just hoping you could tell me about the diet.

Should I be drinking milk often?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand now and after seeing that fluoroscopic test that you attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

You see those barium fluoroscopy tests are not reliable tests to confirm or exclude the presence of duodenitis or duodenal ulcer. The best way to diagnose it is endoscopy. But at the moment, you do not have any alarms symptoms such as significant weight loss i.e. 10% loss of current body weight, or blood vomiting, or vomiting otherwise, therefore endoscopy is not required at the moment.

The milk tends to cause gas and bloating and diarrhea among adults because most of humans at adulthood lose enzyme called lactase which digest the milk but not necessarily cause pain. So my advice is that you should be taking it to moderate level not excessive. Tea or coffee twice made of milk is fine.

Tell me about your bowel habits. Are they normal or loose or constipation?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My bowel habits are regular. No constipation, no diarrhea.

Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Good then. I am thinking to start you on some low dose antidepressant medications. Tablet Escitalopram (antidepressant) 10 mg once daily in the morning, and Alprazolam (antianxiety) 0.5 mg once at night, only for seven days.

The pain seems to be due to functional disorder called epigastric pain syndrome (EPS). Our stomach produces approximately 1 liter of acid juice to help for digestion of food. In some individuals with hypersensitivity of the nerves, this acid causes pain. The reasons why your stomach is hypersensitive is manyfold and often multifactorial. The social, environmental, and behavioral factors are often at interplay in the causation of EPS.

Escitalopram 10 mg will be continued for a certain period of time, for three months at least. Meanwhile, I will reassess your symptoms to adjust the dose.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

What are the side effects of these medications?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Well, the literature says 50+ side effects. However, these side effects are common when started on higher doses such as 20 mg or above. I am starting you on low doses so would not expect much of side effects.

The common side effects which occur secondary to increase blood serotonin are constipation, dry mouth, ejaculation is delayed, increase sleepiness or altered sleep pattern, and pin and needles in the hands. Diarrhea can occur in some, if not constipation.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Will the prescription work in my place?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Of all the drugs in this class, this is the most safest as reports say. Do not be frightened at all, I will be assessing your symptoms in a week time or even before that, to be sure that you do not develop any side effects. No, the prescription will not be valid there.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I was thinking to travel back home to get the endoscopy done and all the medications are required since the wait times for endoscopy are too long here. Would you say I should be doing that sooner? It is just with flight restrictions right now and it is a bit tough to travel.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, I do not think that you will endoscopy soon. Well, it is indeed a helpful investigation, but the chances of finding anything significant in your case are low. That is why I suggested medicine. If I had found any alarming symptoms in you, then I would have recommended you earlier.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you so much for your help.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am glad that I have been help to you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Once more question. Is there anything I can do to alleviate the interim pain while taking other medications?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to cliniq.com.

It is Esomeprazole that can help in the pain.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Can I take Esomeprazole twice a day?

Also, in regards to diet.

Should I totally avoid oily and spicy food?

Actually, sometimes I do takeout from restaurants.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you can double the dose of Pantoprazole or Esomeprazole. You should take either of those. As such no diet restriction. Excessive junk foods should be generally avoided. But taking it once a week is fine.

Takeout is fine as long as it is well-cooked and contains fewer spices and oil. Otherwise, I do not want you to abandon takeout, since I know you do not have other options at the moment.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

That is helpful. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are welcome. Keep in touch for further doubts.

Answered byDr. Ajeet Kumar

Medically reviewed byDr. Vinodhini J.

Published At August 5, 2020
Reviewed AtNovember 21, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medical Gastroenterology

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